A Claremont resident received a call on July 14 at approximately 4:45 p.m., from a person posing as a federal agent.

The scammer told the victim that her Social Security number had been compromised and, in order to clear the victim’s name, the imposter told the victim to withdraw money from her savings account, convert the money to Bitcoin and then transfer the funds into another account.

The suspect told the victim that failing to cooperate would result in “Officer Vander Veen” issuing a warrant for her arrest. The victim complied with the suspect’s demands and transferred a large sum of money. Police did not say how much money was transferred.

Police say it is not unusual for scammers to use names they find on local law enforcement websites to make themselves sound more legitimate. The Claremont Police Department, federal or county agencies will not call and request that money be transferred to Bitcoin.

Should you receive a call you believe is a scam, never provide personal information, including full name, social security number or bank account information.

Police caution that scammers making these calls sound very convincing, so if you receive one, hang up the phone and contact Claremont PD at (909) 399-5411.